Matthew 20:1-16 Promised a living wage ‘Are you giving the evil eye because I am generous?’ –Envy and covetousness encouraged by consumer economy –Nothing new... –Define wealth and happiness by looking at others No virtue in poverty –Proper negotiation with workers –Fair wages agreed –Prompt payment

‘Grumbling’ As in Ex 16 in the desert Which led to God’s super-generosity of manna and quails Both blessing and judgement –Judgement on those hoarding –Blessing in trusting in God’s provision ‘Contentment’ Our measure is to be what God gives us –Not what other people have

‘Go’ ‘Go’ and work in the vineyard –Symbol of relationship with God ‘Take you wages and go’ –Away from the vineyard, those who grumble... –Covetous, miserly spirit results in self-exclusion from full relationship with the generous God MONEY is deliberately used by Jesus in this parable because he knows it is the key to what we are REALLY like...

St James’ church finances A non-accountant’s version!

MISSION at St. James £ People and expenses 62,000 ( £40,000 of the ‘Parish share’ plus expenses, office, caretaker, evangelism) TOTAL Mission here 96,000 The building 34,000 (Gas, electricity, insurance 14,500 plus repairs and maintenance 19,500)

Mission from St. James’ £ Total anticipated outgoings 137,000 Add previous total (mission here)96,000 Mission in Somerset 22,000 (rest of Parish Share) Outward mission giving 19,000 (TYFC, Mission Partners, Debt advice)

ANTICIPATED INCOME 2015 ….. £ Voluntary giving (84,000) NB Down by £ tax back (19,000)104,000 Other – donations, fees, hall hire (17,500), car park (4,400) interest etc NB if we rely on this hall can’t be used for church groups32,000 TOTAL anticipated INCOME 136,000 Anticipated TOTAL EXPENDITURE 137,000

Individual giving What kind of amount? –If you don’t have to think and plan, and probably give something else up, you’re not giving enough –We need an average of £50 per month per person!! Everyone! –According to their means –Remember the widow’s two small coins... –But God knows how you choose to spend your money (we can fool ourselves but not him!) –Start now with a small promised amount each week or month

NB 1)Please gift-aid your giving. We currently get £19,000 per year from tax refunds and it could be more! –Praise God for this provision by our successive governments 2)Please give by standing order if you possibly can that way it comes out first from your monthly budget however little you pledge –And it greatly simplifies our treasurers’ work!

Christianity: Knowing GOD personally through Jesus Christ As part of the Church in Taunton We seek to know Christ better, and to make him better known We do this through varied and lively worship, learning to apply God’s word in the Bible, and being filled with his Holy Spirit

‘‘I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength’ (St Paul in Phil 4:13) ‘...and my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus’